Australian-German hydrogen program opens for business
The Australian and German Governments have today opened the HyGATE initiative, a Hydrogen Innovation and Technology incubator.
The HyGATE program aims to foster collaboration between Australia and Germany to establish hydrogen value chains.
Australia and Germany have provided AU$50 million and €50 million respectively to the joint initiative. Funding is available for pilot, trial and demonstration projects along the hydrogen supply chain.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is administering the Australian side of the program.
In Germany, research institute Projektträger Jülich will deliver the program on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
Optimum conditions for for green hydrogen
HyGATE is the first of three initiatives outlined in the Australia-Germany Hydrogen Accord. Signed in 2021, the Accord recognises Australia and Germany as partners in the emerging hydrogen economy.
Australia has the potential to become a major exporter of renewable hydrogen, with an abundance of renewable energy resources, falling electricity costs and an established resources industry.
For Germany, a heavily industrialised economy and high demand for energy means imported hydrogen will be an important tool in meeting their climate goals.
German Research Minister Bettina Bettina Stark-Watzinger said Germany wants HyGATE to be the foundation of a long-term partnership between Australia and Germany.
“Thanks to its huge potential for renewable energy, Australia offers optimum conditions for the production of Green Hydrogen.”
The German-Australian supply chain for Green Hydrogen is an important step towards achieving climate neutrality and more independence.”
An exciting opportunity
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the opening of the funding round in partnership with Germany was an exciting opportunity to work with a country leading the world in renewable hydrogen technologies.
“International partnerships will be key in helping Australia and the world to achieve net zero emissions, while also ensuring that we open up new market opportunities for the production of renewable hydrogen and other products made through its use, such as low emissions metals,” he said.
“We look forward to seeing Australian companies bring forward ambitious hydrogen projects in response to this initiative with Germany,” he said.
Australia is well positioned to become a leader in hydrogen production, but globally the industry remains in its infancy. International partnerships help establish export markets for Australian hydrogen and reduce global emissions with Australian resources.
In addition to Germany, the Government has signed hydrogen agreements with the UK, Singapore, South Korea and Japan.
“Clean hydrogen is an important tool in the pursuit of net zero globally and represents a compelling economic opportunity for Australia.” Mr Miller said.
For more information on HyGATE including how to apply, visit the ARENA funding page.
Applications close Thursday 9 June 2022.
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